Redd Foxx was a prominent American stand-up comedian and actor. He rose to prominence with his bold nightclub act in the era surrounding the civil rights movement. Dubbed the ‘King of the Party Records’, he produced over 50 records throughout his life.
Early Life
Redd Foxx was born on December 9, 1922, and was named John Elroy Sanford. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to parents Fred Sanford and Mary Hughes.
His father, Fred Sanford, was an electrician and auto mechanic. He departed from the family when Foxx was only four years old.
Following this, he was raised by his mother and grandmother in Chicago, alongside his older brother, Fred Jr. Foxx, who had a penchant for performing from a young age.
At the age of 16, he showcased his talent on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour radio show as a member of the group known as the Jump Swinging Six.
Redd Foxx’s Career
Foxx created a stand-up comedy act in nightclubs that led to his early achievements. He shifted from Chicago to the East Coast to travel with the act.
His breakthrough moment occurred when singer Dinah Washington suggested he go to Los Angeles. In that city, his performance was observed by Dootsie Williams of Dootone Records.
He secured a long-term contract and released a number of comedy albums that have since turned into cult favorites.
Redd Foxx made his shift into more mainstream media somewhat later in life when he took on the role in the television sitcom “Sanford and Son,” which was adapted from the BBC series “Steptoe and Son.”
Foxx portrayed Fred G. Sanford, sharing the name with both his father and brother, while actor Demond Wilson played his son. The series debuted on NBC in January 1972 and ran for six seasons.
After six seasons, Redd Foxx exited “Sanford and Sons,” which ultimately brought the series to an end. He then featured in a short-lived variety show on ABC. In 1980, he reprised his role as Fred G. Sanford in the short-lived spin-off titled “Sanford.”
In 1986, Foxx was given his own show on ABC, which was called “The Redd Foxx Show.” Unfortunately, the show was canceled after 12 episodes due to low viewership ratings.
He subsequently appeared as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the “Star Wars” special of the “Donny & Marie” show. In 1989, he featured as one of the main characters in the film “Harlem Nights.”
The movie was written, produced, and directed by Eddie Murphy, who also starred in the film. In 1991, he had a leading role in the short-lived series “The Royal Family.”
Personal Life & Death
During his lifetime, Redd Foxx was married four times. His first marriage occurred in 1948 to Evelyn Killebrew, and they were together until their divorce in 1951.
In 1956, he married Betty Jean Harris, a showgirl and dancer he had met at a nightclub where both were performing. Harris decided to forgo her career to become a full-time housewife, and Foxx adopted her daughter, Debraca.
Harris was responsible for managing the majority of Foxx’s business ventures and schedule until their separation in 1974, which occurred because of Foxx’s infidelity. They officially divorced after 18 years of marriage in 1974.
In 1976, Foxx married Joi Yun Chi Chung in Las Vegas. Joi was 20 years younger than Foxx and was a cocktail waitress when they met. Their marriage also ended in divorce three years later, in 1979.
In July 1991, Foxx wed Kaho Cho. The couple first encountered each other at a hotel in Las Vegas. Although Foxx had previously rejected the idea of marriage following three divorces, he expressed gratitude for Cho’s unwavering support during his financial difficulties.
Just a few months post-marriage, Redd Foxx experienced a heart attack while filming “The Royal Family.” He was transported to the Queen of Angels Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was declared dead four hours later.
Net Worth
Redd Foxx was a comedian and actor from the United States, with a net worth of -$3.5 million. Sadly, at the time of his passing, he had an outstanding tax debt exceeding $3.5 million.
Further details regarding his financial situation in the later years of his life can be found in the subsequent section below. Redd Foxx gained fame primarily for his role in the television show “Sanford and Son” and for his adult-themed comedy albums.
